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Tickets Now Available for Festival of Trees, Indiana Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Tradition
Tickets are now on sale for the Indiana Historical Society’s (IHS) 2023 Festival of Trees, celebrating its 10th anniversary as one of central Indiana’s biggest holiday traditions for families and people of all ages.
From November 10 through January 6, visitors can take part in the annual holiday extravaganza at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center, located at 450 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis. With 75 elaborately decorated trees, special programs and enhanced dining and shopping options, Festival of Trees continues to be a fun and family-friendly way to brighten the holiday season.
“This year’s festival will feature a winter wonderland of 75 trees representing individuals, families and companies from around Indiana,” said IHS President and CEO Jody Blankenship. “In addition, guests can enjoy a massive, 30-foot centerpiece tree in the center of Eli Lilly Hall that is viewable throughout most of the building. And in celebration of Festival of Trees’ 10th anniversary, sponsors who have decorated a tree all 10 years will be specially noted.”
Additionally, there’s a friendly competition for which tree is the fan favorite, and each guest will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree. Visitors also can take part in scavenger hunts for The Elf on the Shelf or the Weihnachtzgurken (10 pickle ornaments hidden in trees throughout the building), and visit the interactive display of the movie “A Christmas Story,” sponsored by O’Malia’s Living.
Back by popular demand, Twilight Tuesdays will offer an after-hours experience from 5-8 p.m. for those who wish to see the trees by night. Twilight Tuesdays are November 28 and December 5, 12 and 19. And with a paid ticket to Festival of Trees, guests can enjoy additional programming and musical performances, with special holiday treats offered at the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s.
Throughout Festival of Trees, the Stardust Terrace Café by Jonathan Byrd’s will offer extended hours and additional menu options, including holiday-inspired treats and tasty specialty beverages for both children and grown-ups.
Plus, enhance your visit to the Festival of Trees with additional events to get you in the holiday spirit. These special events include:
- On Saturday, December 2 is our favorite book event of the year — the Holiday Author Fair! Mix and mingle with more than 60 authors during this annual event from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission to the Author Fair is included with general admission to the Indiana Historical Society. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/authorfair2023.
- On Friday, December 8, Good Cheers and Ugly Sweaters takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wear your ugly sweaters or other themed apparel and enjoy sipping on complimentary local seasonal beverages, including craft beer, spirits, cocktails and more. Soak up the season while strolling through the winter wonderland of Festival of Trees and campaign to win the best — or worst — holiday attire. Enjoy a treat under the stars in the Stardust Terrace Café. One ticket includes tastings, a souvenir glass, admission to Festival of Trees, activities and chances to win prizes throughout the evening. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/goodcheers2023
- On Saturday, December 16, the Dance Refinery will present vignettes from “The Nutcracker.” The performances at 1 and 3 p.m. will last about 45 minutes each. Performances are included with admission to the History Center.
- As an additional treat, participants can register for “The Sweet Experience” from 10:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. and join Clara and her friends for a morning of sweets, holiday crafts and story reading. Participants will have the opportunity for an exclusive photo with Clara and the Nutcracker as well as a reserved VIP seat at the Nutcracker performance at 1 p.m. For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/sweetexperience2023
Festival of Trees hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Select Tuesday evenings will have extended hours of 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Festival of Trees will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Festival of Trees is presented by The Salvation Army of Central Indiana, with support from The Mothershead Foundation, OneAmerica, Printing Partners and MacAllister Machinery, Inc.
While tickets may be purchased at the door, buying advance tickets is strongly encouraged — guests can get a $2 discount for each adult and senior ticket purchased in advance. For advanced tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/FOTAdvancedTickets. IHS members can take advantage of their complimentary admission benefit by reserving their tickets online. For Festival of Trees tickets and a detailed schedule, visit www.indianahistory.org.
